Meet our carer John Madu

John has worked as a home carer for 7 years. He was one of our first recipients of “Carer of the Month” back in August 2019.

We asked John what he enjoys most about his work ?

“I love my job.  Clients share some of their life stories with me, they tell me what they worked at when they were younger. I learn a lot from them,  so communications is important when you work with people.  I also like to help people. Nobody knows how we might each  need help when we get old”.

Have you any personal experience of care ?   

Unfortunately yes, my mother had a stroke 8 years ago and  passed away 4 years ago (RIP).  We had a carer to take care of her.  Her speech suffered. I found it difficult to see Mam in this condition.

After every visit home to see my Mam. I would come back to my clients and put in even more effort. I always ask myself  “if these people were my own parents, what more could I do for them ?”

How did you start as a home carer ?

“I attended Community College in Clondalkin where I studied modules including Nursing Theory, Child Care, Communications, and Home Work. Afterwards, I did work experience in Peamount Hospital. Then I had to look for a job as I have 5 children.

I had the idea of working as a carer but thought ‘men can’t do this work, only women can.’ Then I asked myself ‘what is it that I cannot do ?  Nothing gets in the way determination’.

Private HomeCare was the first agency I applied to. I got an interview and introduced myself, my work experience and my goals. Soon after, I starting working as a carer.

I want to achieve my work goals for me and for my clients. It can be a difficult job but anyone can work as a carer. I believe it’s important to be happy in your work -for me, my clients, my family and their families.

Most of the time, I don’t feel like I am working. I enjoy my clients.”

What advice would you give to other men looking to work in home care ?

“Look on your clients as if they are your own parents. You have to help your parents. Everyone can do it if you are determined”.

“Don’t worry about what other people  say. Go into the job and see for yourself. Make up your own mind.  And what your client is going through, could be what your life could be like when you get older”.